Scott T. Patterson

Scott T. Patterson is a shareholder based in Butzel Long’s Bloomfield Hills office.  Mr. Patterson is a graduate of the Detroit College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1986) and the University of Virginia (B.A., 1983).

Mr. Patterson represents employers in labor and employment law and business-related immigration matters.  He has extensive experience representing employers in state and federal courts and before government agencies in defense of employment-related claims such as those involving allegations of sexual harassment, race, age, gender and disability discrimination, wrongful discharge and alleged violations of various state and federal statutes.  Mr. Patterson also represents employers in arbitration proceedings and collective bargaining negotiations. 

In addition to litigating employment-based lawsuits, Mr. Patterson is actively involved in advising clients on compliance with federal, state and local laws affecting the employment relationship and assisting employers in developing employment policies and practices designed to comply with applicable laws and avoid employment claims.  He also represents employers and employees in business-related immigration matters such as temporary employment visas, including H-2B visas for seasonal workers in the hospitality and construction industries, and in obtaining permanent residency status for employees. 

Mr. Patterson has a keen interest in the intersection of technology and the workplace.  He advises employers on social media issues and is a member of Butzel Long’s Social Media, Privacy & Technology Specialty Team.  He also serves as Chairman of the Firm’s Technology Committee.

Mr. Patterson is a frequent lecturer on employment-related matters and conducts training for employers on various issues including sexual harassment prevention, avoiding discharged-related claims, social media policies and procedures, and Family Medical Leave Act compliance. 

Mr. Patterson is a member of the Labor Law Section of the American Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan.